Quick as a Fox Block 4- Paper Pieced Star

For the Quilt Along -Quick as a Fox Block 4 is a Paper Pieced Star Quilt Block.

Paper Pieced Star Block 4

 

Paper pieced blocks are simple— don’t over think them!  It is kind of like sewing by number really.  Follow the numbers on the template and you will do just fine.  There is one trick that you must watch out for.  Make sure that the piece you are sewing on goes past the seam 1/4″.  If not, the seams will be weak and could possibly not even be right….leaving a hole in your quilt block.

With this quilt along paper pieced quilt block you will need to make sure that you keep the fabrics in order.  Meaning there is a little pinwheel if you look closely at the quilt block above in the center.  Then, there is a second pinwheel with a lighter fabric on one side and a medium fabric on the other. If you need to, pin your fabric with light, dark or medium notes or place them in piles to keep them where they are supposed to be.  You will be much happier with the block if you keep with contrast so each shape will show.

* Hint- Sew using a smaller than normal stitch.  I use setting 2 on my sewing machine.  This will allow you to pull the paper out later on in the process.  The close stitching perforates the paper.

**Some of you are having problems getting your paper pieced star started.  I am a big eye-baller on pieces.  If you have little pieces of fabric scraps hanging around your sewing studio you might like to use some for ‘auditions’ for the parts you need.  You can see that most of the shapes are rectangles- but I really don’t want you to use more of your good fabric than you need, so audition before you cut if you can.  You can check out this other post I have done- that might help: audition the piece.

Instructions:

1. Cut out paper piece star template
2. Place your number one fabric on top of paper -right sides facing up- and pin in place. Make sure your piece is at least a 1/4” larger than the template it is for…..seam allowance is NOT accounted for on the template.

3. With the paper on the bottom and the fabric on the top, fold back one edge until you line up the black line with the edge- Use your wooden pressure here to get a good crease.
4. Open the paper and fabric up- you will notice that there is a crease in the fabric. If you can’t see it well enough, refold and repress with the wooden pressure.

5.  Place your next piece right side down on top…..let this piece go past the crease 1/4″ for your seam allowance.

6.  Pinch with your fingers or pin in place, then turn so the paper is now on top– showing your sewing lines.

7.  Sew on the lines with your sewing machine. * backstitch at both ends- this will help the seam stay when you are removing the paper later.
8.  Open up the fabric that you have just sewn and using your wooden iron, give it a good press.
9.  Fold back the fabric and the paper {you don’t want to cut it!} and trim any extra fabric that is past the seam. If you don’t, it will make the block bulky and if there is a lighter color on top the other seam will show through!

10.  Repeat the same process with the other triangles. It really is like sewing by number. lol

Finishing the block:
1. Place the block right sides facing down, paper on top. Trim your block using the paper as a guide. Cut 1/4″ past the outside edge {remember this is your seam allowance!}
2. Sew triangle one to triangle two, so the finished block is square. Sew two squares together for the top half of the block, repeat with remaining two squares for bottom half of block.
3. Notice the points won’t necessarily matched. This is planned.

You can leave the paper on the backside on until the block is sewn into a row.  This will help the seams stay secure and the block keep the correct size.  When sewing with paper pieced blocks, you are using all sorts of bias and don’t even know it.  After the block is sewn into the row you can then remove the paper.

*Hint- fold the paper over with the folded edge the same as the sewn line, and run your finger along the folded edge to crease it.  Open the paper back up and tear along the sewn line.  This will allow the paper to tear easier.

[ts_fab]